The regular lobster season in the Florida Keys is always August 6 through March 31.

What is mini season in the Keys?

Florida lobster sport season, locally dubbed “mini season" for its short two-day time duration, begins the last Wednesday of July and ends at midnight Thursday.

How long is lobster season in the Keys?

The regular 8 month lobster season is always August 6 through March 31. There are numerous ways and techniques to catch a Florida Spiny lobster.

Where is the best lobstering in the Keys?

The best lobster spots are located on the Gulf (Bay) side of the Middle Keys just north of Marathon, south of Long Key and the 7 Mile Bridge. This is due to the abundant natural Lobster Habitat found in the area including: Duck Key, Long Key, Conch Key, Lower Matecumbe Key.

Where can I go lobstering in Florida?

• The Florida Keys. Monroe County has the largest population of lobsters in the state and also draws the most lobster divers. ...
• The Gold Coast. While the reefs of Dade, Broward and Palm Beach aren't as busy as the Keys, there are certainly areas which are very rich in lobster. ...
• The East Coast.

Florida Keys Two-Day Lobster Sport Season - What to Know Before You Go

Are there lobsters in Key West?

Key West's spiny lobster season is just around the corner! In tow is mini lobster season, Key West Lobsterfest, and of course, spiny lobster appearing in dishes across the island.

How much lobster do you need for one person?

With a yield of around 30 to 40%, you should plan on about on 1 1/2-pound lobster per person, giving you 6 to 8 ounces of actual meat.

Can you catch lobsters in Florida?

While you can catch Florida spiny lobsters from Pensacola to Key West, the heaviest concentrations are found in three areas. Monroe County boasts the largest lobster population in the state and draws the most lobster divers. ... But almost every other dive site is open to lobster hunting.

Can spiny lobsters hurt you?

Grab the lobster from the back and the top, and away from the moray eel (the spiny lobster has no claws to hurt you). ... If you think a lobster will dart as soon as you reach, aim a few inches behind the lobster.

What is the best time to catch lobster?

In very warm climates, lobster season often occurs in fall and winter, when the water is cooler. In cooler climates, lobsters are more populous during summer months. As the temperatures climb after winter's chill, lobsters move closer to the shore and into warmer waters.

What months are lobster in season?

Lobster Season

Lobsters are trapped throughout the year. Typically some of the best months to buy hard-shell lobsters are in late spring, from May to June and again in the fall, from October to November. New shell lobsters are usually harvested from late summer to early fall.

How long is lobster season?

Each area is subject to its own season, ranging from eight weeks to eight months in length. The breaks in fishing times are timed with the molting period of the lobsters.

Can you bully net during mini season?

The most competitive time of the year to go bully netting is during the mini season and in the beginning months of bully netting season. As the season goes on, we've found that bully netting for lobster at night is the best time to go.

Can you lobster at night in the Keys?

–Harvest lobsters in the Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Lobster Sanctuary; Dry Tortugas; the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. See other prohibited areas on the FWC list. –Dive at night. “Night” is defined as one hour after official sunset to one hour before official sunrise.

How far from shore do you have to travel for lobstering?

States have jurisdiction for implementing measures in state waters (within 3 miles of shore), while NOAA Fisheries implements complementary regulations for the American lobster fishery in offshore federal waters (3 to 200 miles from shore).

How many lobster can you catch in Florida?

There is a bag limit of six lobsters per person per day (in and off the water). The carapace, or the lobster's body shell, must be larger than 3 inches—measure the carapace from the edge between the rostral horns to the edge before the tail begins.

Can you catch lobster from the shore?

Visit an area with warm water to catch spiny lobsters.

There are many warm-water spots in America for lobster fishing. Along the coast of California, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Florida Keys, you'll find tons of lobsters during the regions' “lobster season.”

Which is better male or female lobster?

A more pressing choice is the choice of getting which gender. Lobstermen agree that the female is a better choice. Female lobsters may have roes, or unfertilized eggs which are tasty and considered as delicacy. Also, female lobsters have more tail breadth which means more meat.

What size lobster tail tastes best?

Look for lobster tails ranging from 5oz to 12oz. These are smaller tails, and are the prime size for getting a good amount of meat and a quality taste and texture with lobster tails.

What size lobster tastes best?

While many people think that bigger is better, smaller lobsters are actually sweeter in flavor. The smallest lobster you can buy in Maine will weigh around 1 and 1/4 pound. I recommend purchasing lobsters in the 1 and 1/4 to 2 pound range to get the best tasting meat.

When can you catch lobsters in Key West?

The regular lobster season in the Florida Keys is always August 6 through March 31.

What month is lobster Fest in Key West?

The Key West Lobsterfest is a fun annual event that marks the beginning of Lobster Season on Key West. Every year, at the beginning of August, lobster lovers from all over the world come to Key West to celebrate lobster with free concerts, great food, and the biggest party of the summer.

Can you go lobstering in Key Largo?

Lobstering in Florida is great fun! Key Largo has an abundance of marine life and among them the Florida Spiny Lobster. Many of our customers like to hunt for Lobster. There is an abundance of Florida Spiny Lobster that you will see on every dive on the Key Largo reef.